Ecopetrol EC Reports Blocked Ransomware Attack Affecting 3300 Accounts
📣 The Announcement
Ecopetrol S.A. found that an outside actor gained access to some digital files owned by the company and its subsidiaries. The hackers tried to use ransomware to demand money, but the company's security systems blocked the attack. 👉 The company confirmed unauthorized access to cloud storage but stopped the extortion attempt.
🏢 Company Context
In simple terms, this is the largest energy company in Colombia with over 19,000 employees. They control more than 60% of the country's hydrocarbon production and run key logistics systems. 👉 They also hold a leading stake in energy transmission across several American countries.
💥 Why It Matters
Cybersecurity breaches are a major risk for any company holding sensitive data. If personal or confidential information leaks, it can damage trust and cost millions in fines. 👉 Investors watch closely to see if this affects their reputation or financial results.
📊 By The Numbers
The incident touched approximately 15 subsidiaries, including the main company itself. Data associated with about 3,300 user accounts was downloaded by the intruder. 👉 The company holds a 51.4% stake in ISA for energy transmission operations.
🔍 The Details
The company immediately revoked access and blocked the mechanisms used to download files. They filed a criminal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia and worked with insurers. 👉 They are also monitoring technology infrastructure under critical alert protocols.
🔮 What's Next
Ecopetrol will keep watching for any new information that needs to be shared with the market. They promise to disclose any material facts or changes in the situation promptly. 👉 No material disruption to critical operations or production capacity has been identified yet.
⚖️ Upside & Risks
The good news is that essential services and business activities can continue normally right now. However, the company cannot guarantee the stolen data will not cause future harm. 👉 There is a risk of exposure to confidential, restricted, or personal data.
📞 Contacts
Investor Relations Office Email: [email protected] Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia) Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected]
🧠 The Analogy
Think of this like a burglar breaking into a bank vault but failing to take the money. The bank locked the doors, called the police, and is checking if any valuables are missing, but the bank is still open for business.
🧩 Final Takeaway
Ecopetrol successfully blocked a ransomware attack but faces potential data risks. Investors should watch for updates on the stolen information and any regulatory fines.
Original release
BOGOTA, Colombia, July 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) (the "Company") announced that it has identified an unauthorized access to certain digital resources owned by the Company and its subsidiaries by an external actor who has not been identified, as well as an attempted ransomware attack that was blocked by the cybersecurity controls implemented across the Company and its subsidiaries. The unauthorized access affected cloud-based file storage environments of approximately 15 subsidiaries (including the Company), resulting in the unauthorized download of data associated with approximately 3,300 user accounts. The external actor communicated extortion demands, threatening to publicly disclose the information that had been unlawfully extracted.
In response to this incident, the Company initiated an investigation and activated its incident response and management protocols. In addition, the Company deployed the following measures aimed at preventing the public disclosure of the unlawfully extracted information, addressing supervisory actions and/or potential financial costs associated with investigation, remediation, and regulatory compliance, as follows:
a. Immediate revocation of unauthorized access to the compromised digital assets.b. Blocking of mechanisms associated with the mass download of information.c. Identification, analysis, and containment of the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by the malicious actor.d. Filing of a criminal complaint before the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia and deployment of cooperation activities with specialized national authorities.e. Identification of external infrastructures used for the storage or download of information to pursue restriction or blocking actions.f. Activation of support mechanisms with insurers and specialized capital markets teams to ensure the proper management of the event.g. Detailed assessment of the downloaded information and determination of its criticality.h. Enhanced monitoring of the technology infrastructure under critical alert protocols and continuous validation of preventive and detective controls.
As of the date of this report, the Company has not identified any material disruption to its critical operations, production capacity, or essential services; any direct financial impact that would prevent it from continuing to conduct its business activities; or any disclosure of the information subject to the unauthorized access. However, the Company continues to assess the potential exposure of corporate information, which could include confidential, restricted, proprietary, or personal data, as it cannot guarantee that this incident will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, reputation, operating results, or financial condition.
Ecopetrol S.A. will continue to monitor developments related to this matter and, should any material facts or information requiring disclosure to the market be identified, will promptly disclose such information in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector.
This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
For more information, please contact:
Investor Relations OfficeEmail: [email protected]
Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia) Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected]
SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.